A brief excursion into the realm of Tibet's nomadic herders, the drokpa.
Where are you going?
Day 1 : Tsurphu was founded by the first Karmapa in 1189 and remains the head monastery of the Karma Kagyupa order. The current, 17th, Karpama fled to India in 2000. Many Karma Kagyupa followers are from eastern Tibet and it is a great place to watch impressively clothed and bejeweled Khampa pilgrims.
Days 2-3 : The sacred lake, Nam-tso, is the second largest in China and utterly stunning. Yak, sheep, goats and horses graze the rich surrounding grasslands, the snow covered Nyenchen Tanglha dominates the southern skyline and the whole area is temporary home to hundreds of migrating birds. The rocky Tashidor peninsula is the site of numerous hermit caves and a small monastery with a lovely, short kora. The surrounding grasslands are also a popular camping place for Tibet's traditional nomadic herders.
Day 4 : Drive back to Lhasa with the afternoon free for further sightseeing or shopping.
